Currently, all attention is focused on next Sunday's staged protest, which as it seems from day to day it is losing its meaning and becoming more of a media frenzy and an opportunity for the involved players to step into the limelight.
When one tries to decipher the true intention of the upcoming protest, it all dwindles down to one looming and outdated perspective of our society, this being partisan politics. Certainly you might question this hypotises, you may even ask, how does one make abrupt conclusions such as this, we have heard all the right reasons on the media and our water and electricity bills are more than enough evidence to substantiate marching through the capital city.
Protests are a very important factor in trade union activity, and one must not reason that these manifestations are in anyway outdated or ineffective. This powerful tool is used all over the continent and when performed in the correct manner and for the right reasons, it will give the necessary results. One who takes part in such manifestation, must have full belief in the cause, is this happening on Sunday? Do the people who are ready to take part knowledgeable to the facts which are being flaunted by the organizers. I am very skeptical!
For one, if we are talking about the electricity tariffs, why is it that the major union organizing the protest decided not so long ago to boycott an important meeting regarding the issue. Why is it that the same union never tabled proposals regarding the issue, contrary to the UHM whom on two separate occasions presented proposals that were accepted by the government? Do the people taking part in the protest know that 70,000 household will be benefiting from €10 Million to assist our families?
Last time round, unions took part in a protest staged in Valletta regarding the same issue; it was a non-political protest whereas all unions got together for a just cause. Why was there a different line of thought this time, with a general trade union and a forum of small sectorial unions deciding on their own to stage a protest where political parties were invited officially? And so close to this activity why are a number of unions from within the forum having second thoughts about demonstrating in Valletta under the umbrella of the Labour Party?
It is all up to you to decide? Youths are no longer impressed by hard or sweet talk. Gone are the days of theatrics. Youths are constantly weighing up their future possibilities and will surely weigh next Sunday's event. Let us not play into the hands of all those eager to hold power. Routine walks around the capital city may further erode our economic social and political stability that in return will have to be shouldered by the citizens. We demand and expect to be treated with respect. Tax payers know that fuel prices are getting higher and someone will have to make good either through taxation or by paying for their consumption. The choice is clear.
Nicholas Baldacchino is the UHM Youths President